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Adventure/Mystery
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Historical
General
 
Aenir (Seventh Tower Series #3)
by Garth Nix
(Review by Jonah, VA)
I recently read a book called Aenir, in the Seventh Tower series. The main characters were two Storm Shepards named Odris and Adras, Tal a Chosen, and Milla, an Icecarl. The first thing that happens is the Storm Shepards attack Tal and Milla, followed by the fact that the Storm Shepards are bound to Tal and Milla. You will have to read the book to find out more. I would recommend this wonderful book to people who love magic.
 
Rivers of Zadaa (Pendragon Series #6), Vol. 6
by David Kim
(Anonymous, VA)
I recently read a book titled the Pendragon 6 the Rivers of Zadda. This book has approximately 400-500 pages. It took me 1 day to read this book, then again it was on a 17 hour airplane ride. The main character is a teenage boy named Bobby Pendragon. This book contains several events. The first thing that happens is it will give a little recap on what happened before. This is followed by Bobby following Saint Dane to Zadda to find his friend Loor. They work together to try to discover Saint Danes plot and put an end to it before everyone who inhabits Zadda is killed. You'll have to read the book to find what happens next. The ending will be a twist as in all the pendragon books. There are 5 books previous to this one and more books to come that continue the story. I would recommend this book to 10-14 year olds who enjoy plots, twists, adventure, traveling, and some action. You may want to read the first five books first. I got this book at a bookstore at the airport before my flight.
 
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhiker's Guide Series #1)
by Douglas Adams
(Review by Tony, VA)
I recently read a book called The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. This book has approximately 145 pages. This book took me about 1 week to finish. The main characters are Arthur Dent (human), Ford Prefect (human-like alien), Zaphod Beeblebrox (2 headed, 3 armed, human-like alien), Trillian (human), and Marvin (robot). One of the first events that happens is Earth gets blown-up. The rest you must read. The ending will be a surprise. Best yet, there are sequels.
 
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter #1)
by J.K. Rowling
(Anonymous, VA)
The book is about a boy called Harry Potter. His Mum and Dad were killed by a bad man called Voldemort. Harry had to live with his Mum’s sister. That family is very bad and mean. They don’t show that they love Harry and don’t take care of him. Harry is a good boy. Harry sleeps in a little room with a lot of dirt. I like all the stories of Harry Potter. They’re fun and great to read because it tells you about his life, who he is and where he’s from. I think people should read this; it’s very good.
 
Animal Farm
Author: George Orwell
(Review by Samantha)
I will start by saying that this book is not for younger readers. In this novel, Mr. Jones (Czar Nicholas II) is a bit of an abusive farmer. When he does it one time too many, the animals rebel and chase him and his wife from the farm (Russia). They then elect the pig Snowball (Leon Trotsky) as their new leader. But the devious Napoleon (Joseph Stalin) gains power and chases Snowball from the farm so he can take power. Will the farm ever be the wonderful place it once was? There’s only one way to find out: read for yourself.
 
Sphere of Secrets (The Oracle Prophecies Series)
By
Catherine Fisher
(Review by Diane, age 15 Iowa)
This a wonderful fantasy that you will enjoy! It really heats up at the end!
 
The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials #1)
The Golden Compass
By Philip Pullman (Review by Daniel)
This is the first installment of the Dark Materials trilogy, one of the best and most thought-provoking fantasies out there. It is the tale of Lyra Silvertounge and her daemon, Pantalaimon, as they go on a journey, in a world much like our own, but with subtle differences, to stop the evil Gobblers. Too bad they only have a vague idea of what is really going on. It apparently has something to do with the enigmatic Dust. Their world is explored in an epic narrative with a fine attention to character. This is a book that should not be passed up for any reason. 5/5 stars.
 
Fire and Ice, Vol. 2
Warriors: Fire and Ice
By Erin Hunter (Review by Daniel)
In this second installment of the epic Warriors series, Fireheart adapts to his new duties as a warrior and becomes even more suspicious of the intentions of Clan deputy Tigerclaw. He takes his first apprentice and has a feud with his best friend over an inter-Clan romance. Emotions flare, tensions rise, and Erin Hunter continues to weave an intricate web of literary wonder. 4.5/5 stars.
 
Half Magic
Author: Edward Eager.
(Review by Samantha)
Can you imagine so much adventure can be caused by a coin? Siblings Jane, Mark, Katherine, and Martha are in for a surprise when a coin they find on a sidewalk grants wishes - well, half wishes. Everything you wish for, you get half from this coin. The four kids start using the coin more and more, until they learn at last to be careful what you wish for. I wish you would read this book twice! It's twice as good as you think, and twice the fun!
 
The Two Princesses of Bamarre
Author: Gail Carson Levine.
(Review by Samantha)
This book tells the story of Princesses Meryl and Addie. Meryl is a wild soul, dreaming of slaying dragons, protecting her kingdom, and finding the cure for the Grey Death, a deadly plague in the kingdom. Addie prefers to stay within the safety of the castle walls with her embroidery. But both girls are devoted to each other and are usually in each others company. Then Meryl catches the Grey Death. Now Addie must go and fulfill the ancient prophecy, "The Grey Death would be cured when cowards found courage and rain fell all over Bamarre," to save her kingdom and her sister. Another wonderful book from this great author!
 
The Black Cauldron
Author: Lloyd Alexander
(Review by Daniel)
The second book in The Prydain Chronichles is one of the author's best books. The story starts when Taran, the Assistant Pig-keeper, finds that Dallben, the old wizard is holding a meeting of utmost importance. Soon they embark on a quest to find and destroy a cauldron that is creating deathless warriors. But, even if they find it, one of them will have to make the ultimate sacrifice... This is one of those books that has you feel so close to the characters that you can't stop reading but don't want to finish because you can't stand to have to say good bye. So, have the next book, The Castle of Llyr, close by.
5 stars.
Ender’s Game
by Orson Scott Card
Review by Daniel
 
Ender's Game (Ender Series #1)
If you haven’t read this sci-fi masterpiece, fly to the nearest bookstore and buy it. If you won’t be won over so easily, let me tell you that this is a work of art. A sensitive young genius is sent to a school in space to be trained to be a general in the war against the alien “buggers” makes friends and enemies and falls deep into despair as he becomes the top student while his brother Peter and sister, Valentine, plot to take over the world. Ender is brought to the asteroid Eros to complete his training while he starts to break down. The characters are well drawn-out and the plot is amazing. Be sure to pick up the companion, Ender’s Shadow and its sequels. Best suited for an older reader.
5/5 stars.
 
Eragon (Inheritance Trilogy #1)
By Christopher Paolini
(Review by Daniel)
You find what looks like a large sapphire while hunting to get family food during the winter. You try to sell it, but no one has a clue what it is. A few days later, a dragon hatches from it. You are either the teenage boy, Eragon, who Lives in a lord of the rings-type world or very, very lucky. If you liked Lord of the Rings, you’ll love this. This is one of my favorite books of all time and the beginning of the Inheritance Trilogy, which you won’t want to miss. Can you believe the author is only about the age of the main character? 5/5 stars.
 
The Book of Three
By Lloyd Alexander
(Review by Daniel - 11)
A young Assistant Pig-keeper is being taught to make horseshoes (“as if we had any horses”) when he really wants to make a sword (“as if we had any battles”). He finally convinces Coll, his teacher, to show him the finer points of fencing, when the old wizard wakes up. The wizard immediately tells him to drop the ideas, especially since danger is afoot. A little afterward the chickens fly off, and Hen Wen, the oracular pig, runs away. Thus The Book of Three , the first installment of The Prydain Chronicles, begins. I really can’t find much fault with this book. It shows that everyone, from Assistant Pig-keepers to great warriors, have the capacity for heroism. 4.5/5 stars
 
Varjak Paw
Author: S.F. Said
(Review by Samantha - 13)
In this book, a cat by the name of Varjak Paw has a problem. He and his family are purebred Mesopotamian Blue cats, but Varjak Paw has the wrong color eyes; they're amber, not green, and is rejected by his family. His only comfort is the stories his grandfather, Elder Paw, tells him. One day, Elder Paw tells Varjak about The Way, a special martial art for cats, and how of all the seven skills of The Way, only three are used today: Slow-Time, Moving Circles, and Shadow Walking. Then a gentleman and his two evil cats move into Varjak's house. Elder Paw then helps Varjak escape, telling him to learn The Way and bring back "a dog" to save them. Now Varjak must venture into an unknown place called the city to bring honor to his family, to learn The Way, and to save his home. But while in the city, can he save himself and his new friends from the mysterious Vanishings that are taking cats all across the city? A beautiful book for all ages!
 
Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
(Review by Samantha - 13)
Meet Princess Ella of Frell, just your normal teenage princess: strong-willed, loving, and trustworthy. Oh yeah, and she's under a curse. At birth, the foolish fairy Lucinda "blessed" Ella with obediance. But that means Ella must do whatever she's commanded to do - even things like hopping up and down on one foot for a day and a half, betraying her kingdom, or chopping off her own head! But Ella, the determined girl that she is, decides to break the curse forever. But can she find Lucinda, the only one who can break the curse? And if Ella can find her, can she convince her to take it away? Another wonderful story of determination and love.
Emily Windsnap is a girl who lives with her mother on a boat. But, oddly enough, her mother does not let Emily near water - she's never even had a bath, just showers. Finally, her mother allows her to go to swimming lessons. While there, Emily discovers something rather odd - she has a tail! Deciding to find out who she is, she begins sneaking out at night into the ocean, finding other mermaids, true friendship, and that not all humans - or merpeople - are trustworthy, as well as that her own father is a merman. Determined to reunite her parents, Emily must face Neptune himself to meet The One She Never Knew. A wonderful story of the love of a family! Enjoy.
Title: The Bermuda Virus
Author: Bob O'Quinn
(Review by Samantha - 13)
Anyone who thinks Bermuda is perfect, think again! In this book science labs in Bermuda are hiding a deadly secret: a killer virus that is capable of killing horribly in one minute and is transmitted by a simple breath. But when a greedy man learns of it and wants it for his own, he steals it from one of the labs - then accidently releases it in to the world. As the death toll becomes millions, scientists and goverments stuggle to find a vaccine for this killer, while another killer of a differant sort seeks out the few survivors of the virus. Can these people come together to save the world? Find out for yourself? Not for younger readers.
 
Companions of the Night
Author: Vivian Vande Velde
(Review by Samantha - 13)
Vampire story lovers, take note! This story is about a teenage girl named Kerry Nowicki. One night, her little brother asks her to go get his toy bear he left at the laundry in town. Kerry reluctantly goes, though she only has her learner's permit. When she gets there, she accidentally walks in on a hostage holding, and her heart goes out to Ethan, the hostage. Of course, she doesn't believe the captors when they tell her he's a vampire. Then, a couple days after she helps him escape, they run into each other again and he also claims he's a vampire, then proves it by showing her that the severe wounds he had received during his captivity had completely healed. When they arrive at Kerry's house, someone has taken Kerry's family. So Kerry teams up with Ethan to save them. What she doesn't realize is that by the end of this ordeal, she'll be a criminal - and will have found true love. This story is NOT for the younger readers. Enjoy!!
 
The Phantom Tollbooth
Author: Norton Juster
(Review by Samantha - 13)
This book tells the exciting tale of Milo, a young boy who thinks everything is a waste of time and nothing is of any importance. Then, one day, he receives the gift of a tollbooth, which takes him to The Lands Beyond. There, he meets several strange folk, like Tock the ticking watchdog, the Humbug who is hardly ever right, the Spelling Bee (guess what he is!), and many others. But, much of the land is in chaos because the two rulers, King Azaz the Unabridged and the Mathmagician, have banished the two princesses, Rhyme and Reason. So, to bring the land back to order and peace to himself, Milo journeys with Tock and the Humbug to save them. But can they break the silence of the Valley of Sound? Leave the Forest of Sight? Escape from the evil demons from the Mountains of Ignorance? All this and more is yours to discover in this adventure of a lifetime!
 
Into the Wild
by Erin Hunter
(Review by Daniel - 12)
This book explores the incredibly vivid world of wild cats. A house cat named Rusty leaves the cozy human world to become a warrior cat in the wild. A mysterious prophesy is made and an unusual death occurs. This book is the start of a great series but it is not for the younger reader. (Parents should read it too!) 4 1/2 stars. Recommended for ages 11 and up.
 
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter #6)
By JK Rowling
(Review by Daniel-12)
Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts may be his most interesting yet. As always in this series, the focus isn’t on action but rather a journey of discoveries leading to a charged finale. Millions of you will, or already have, read this book no matter what I say, and I’ll have to deal with thousands of not-so-vaguely threatening e-mails if I say anything critical about this literary blockbuster. But it’s my favorite of the books so far, hopefully to be surpassed by book seven. The only bad thing I have to say is that at the end of the book Harry has the whole selfish-selflessness thing going on, which seems to be popular with prophesied heroes everywhere. Please drop that attitude, Harry!
5/5 stars.
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